And speaking of her indomitable spirit, it wouldn’t quite be her happy birthday without sharing one of the many life lessons she’s taught me! I’ve been saving these photos for a couple years now, and today is the perfect day to share the story that goes along with them. It’s, obviously, a classic Ms. Bear story, although she is so humble that she’d never admit that!

Anyway, these photos were taken several years ago. We usually keep that fake plant on our staircase that leads to the basement. It’s actually the only fake plant we’ve ever owned; I often wonder why my mom has such an attachment to this particular piece of plastic, but then I remember that we probably got it right after we moved into this house, which was shortly after my father died. A symbol of her grief, perhaps? How the leaves billow and bow, but never fall all the way to the ground? That describes her during the worst of the grief. Hurting, but not broken. Struggling, but still, somehow, surviving.

But, back to these photos. I’ve even forgotten why the plant was in the kitchen — probably because we just had the carpet cleaned. So there’s my mom, fiddling with the leaves. Again. She has a tendency to work her magic and rearrange the leaves when the plant starts to look sad — AKA, a bit on the droopy side.

“What are you doing?” I asked. “You know we can just buy another plant, right?”

She continued her fiddling and arranging. At this point, her entire body was practically obscured by those green leaves!

“Oh, no! That’s not necessary! This one just needs a little fixing.”

Well, a little fixing she did! A few minutes later, the plant was back to its former glory, sitting in its usual spot on the stairs.

And while it took a little bit for the message to sink in, I finally realized something: That’s exactly what Ms. Bear does. Or, more precisely, what she doesn’t do. She doesn’t give up on people. Ever. Or, in this case, our fake plant. When things look desperate or even impossible, she doesn’t just throw her hands up in the air and say, “Oh, well. That’s that!” She’s never been that type of person. Who is she, then? She’s a helper, a listener, a comforter, a friend, a cheerleader, an adviser, a confidante.

I love her more than anything and am so thankful for her!!! I hope that I can be all those things for her. Whoever is that person to you, make sure you give them a big hug today and tell them just how much you appreciate them! I’m sure they’ll appreciate it! Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to get the birthday girl to SIT DOWN and watch Gibbs — that’s NCIS for those not hip to the show’s characters. Happy birthday, sweet Bear… xoxo

Welcome back, friends!!!!! It’s sooooo nice to finally see you again!! How are YOU?? I’m slowly (very slowly…emphasis on the word very!) getting back into the work groove after our holiday staycation, and if I had to give a capsule review of these last two weeks, I could sum things up in just three words: It. Was. Glorious.

Simply glorious.

In fact, that’s the exact word my mom used on Facebook last week! Have I ever told you that she has a history of getting, umm, a bit antsy over long breaks from work? Her limit is usually the span of one long week, like three days off for Labor Day, and by the afternoon of the last day, she’s just wandering around the house puttering. It’s cute, of course, but not too fun for her.

But, I’m happy to say that she thoroughly enjoyed all 16 days off our holiday staycation! In fact, we ALL did, which might be why it’s been so difficult this week to get back to our “regular lives.” In case you need a bit more proof of our fun and lounging existence lately, here is some classic photo evidence…

I kicked off the vacation with a haircut — same classic style, of course! Why change a good thing if it’s worked for me for 30+ years? I mean, really, can you blame me?

We also went out for lunch! It’s become a tradition that I take my mom out to lunch at the start of our vacations; it’s a good way to kick off the fun and relaxation that awaits us!

Of course I have to include an adorable photo of Ms. Bear herself!! Ever since I wrote about Bert and Ernie in September, we’ve been watching YouTube videos of the awesome duo. These stuffed animals found their forever home on her bed.

As for the NCIS gear?? Well, we’ve been watching an obscene amount of Gibbs and company over this break, so those gifts for her just seemed fitting.

These little rascals got into their presents on Christmas morning, looooong before we were even ready to open gifts! They managed to leave every other present wrapped and untouched, so apparently, they were on a mission — and they succeeded!

Expect a longer post on this, but Janelle got me two inspirational illustrations — one Wonder Woman and one Alice In Wonderland. They’re prominently displayed in my bedroom!

We enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of cookies and games with friends!! There’s something so comforting and wonderful about the kind of friendship that spans decades and it feels like no time has passed at all..

And finally, apparently, this is the face of someone who had a happy and relaxing Christmas!! I haven’t seen this face on a holiday in 15 years, and IT FELT NICE. Missing my father, of course, but I went to bed feeling loved and content that tonight…

So, friends, I’d love to hear from you now!!! How has your 2019 been so far? What have you been up to lately? Did you do anything exciting over the holidays? Or maybe stayed close to home and partake in a holiday staycation of your own? You know I think the latter is equally thrilling! Happy New Year!! May 2019 be wonderful and magical and everything else you want it to be!! xoxo

One year ago today, my mom received those abnormal mammogram results that sent us on quite the roller coaster of medical adventures for several months. I just wanted to say how proud I am of “Ms. Bear” for getting through it like a true champion!! She’s a fighter and one awesome lady!! So happy she’s doing so well this year!!!

And let’s not forget her terrible tumble at the end of the summer! Needless to say, she’s been through a lot this year. It’s always so hard to see our loved ones suffering, and it’s a special swirl of emotions when it comes to our parents, don’t you think? My mom is such a powerful force, and she’s the type who just wants to keep going. So when something sidelines her, it’s hard for her to slow down. Trust me, this is something I’ve been encouraging her to do more often. I’d tell her every day…

“Slow down.”

“It’s OK to rest.”

“You don’t have to do it ALL now.”

“Some things can wait until tomorrow.”

I mean, not even her surgery last January got her down for long. Apparently, a few atypical cells are no match for her strength! She takes them out with a one-two punch and doesn’t even break a sweat!

Maybe that’s why I love the above photo so much. Here’s Ms. Bear sitting and actually relaxing (I know…alert the presses!) a couple months ago after we got a new couch. Granted, it was right after that terrible tumble, but it was so nice to see her NOT running around trying to save the world like she’s always doing. So, over the long Thanksgiving break coming up, I’m going to have this photo at the ready. To show her that it’s OK to take some time for you. Of all the people in the world, I’d say my mom deserves it, doesn’t she? After all, she’s had quite her share of medical adventures in the last 12 months!

What are you doing these days to practice self-care, friends? What does self-care look like for you? Any tips you’d like to share with my mom? And, please, encourage her to slow down. Together, we can help her relax… xoxo

Serious question: Do I look older?? I mean, I have been 37 years old for a whole 11 days, after all. Are the ravages of time starting to show yet? Why would I be so worried, you might ask? Oh, because, well, let’s just say that I was quite the party animal during my Birthday Break and the birthday merriment was turned up to 100 ALL THE TIME!!!

What? You don’t believe me? Well, just check out this photographic proof. As the young people say, I’ve got receipts — a whole bunch of them, in fact, and they all have one big thing in common: They tell the story of my debauchery, my undoing, my fondness for getting down with my bad self and watching…musical TV shows of the ’90s. Yup, buckle up! Things are about to get really real — and, of course, really wild…

You might remember my Big City Shenanigans last year, where I got to experience the thrill of dinosaurs up close and take a sunny stroll along Lake Michigan with my two favorite people! While that little getaway was super fun, I just felt like having a quiet birthday this year. We decided to stay close to home, and, honestly, I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way. We played some games, watched some NCIS (how amazing is that show?) and just enjoyed a nice family celebration all the way around.

It’s become somewhat of a tradition to have my mom snap a photo of me opening my birthday merriment gifts. I’m in love with this angel figure that my sister got me; in fact, I even named her Angelique and added her to my collection of angels, but more on my collections in an upcoming blog post!

Also, see that pan of deliciousness? Janelle asked me what she could make for my special birthday merriment dessert and I was dying for her classic Rice Krispie treats! Her secret ingredients to give them an extra kick of sweet flavor? Almond and sprinkles!! They’re gooey and oh-so-scrumptious! We finished the pan in about a week! And now I’m craving them AGAIN!!

And Ms. Bear’s meatloaf?!?!? Where do I even begin??? She makes the very best, most delicious meatloaf in all the universe, so there was no doubt that I wanted that for my birthday dinner. In typical Ms. Bear fashion, she made so much that we still have quite a bit left in the freezer, which is obviously fine by me!!! I’d eat it every day, if you ask me!!!

Wondering what I meant when I opened this post with a nod to ’90s musical TV shows??? Two words: KIDS INCORPORATED. I was beyond obsessed with this show as a kid, so when I found all the episodes on YouTube, it was all I could do not to bust out the shoulder pads and leg warmers! I’m almost done with season one and am psyched to relive my childhood for EIGHT more seasons of toe-tapping song and dance!!

But the very best moment of my Birthday Break this year? Whitney and Stella are finally, at long last, getting a bit more fond of each other. Here they actually sitting next to each other on the bed. That’s HUGE and such a big step for both of them!!! It made us all so happy to see!!

Thanks, too, for all the sweet birthday wishes, friends!! I appreciate you coming on this journey with me and can’t wait to see what my 37th year will bring!!

I closed out my day of birthday merriment by reading all your sweet messages!! Thank you for being such a powerful force in my life!! I hope you know how much I appreciate your love and support. As trying as some moments have been this year, I still feel surrounded by love, light and happiness. No dark clouds can dim that light.

And, wow, what an eventful trip it’s been!! My 36th year was one of ups and downs, of personal and professional wins and losses, of heartbreak and healing. I’ve certainly felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotions at times and I’m most certainly NOT naive when it comes to said emotional roller coaster, either. Trust me, I know it’s going to continue throughout all the years of my life. If you look at life like that — that every year you go around on that roller coaster is another year that you’re LIVING — well, then, I suppose that I should be pretty grateful for those ups and downs, huh?

Part of me isn’t too sure how to feel about my birthday this year, actually. I mean, 37 just feels like it’s going to be an odd age. I’ve reached that dreaded point in my 30s where I can no longer say “I’m in my mid-30s.” I’m officially in my late 30s! Yikes! Although, perhaps I can get away with saying “Oh, little old me? I’m in my late mid-30s“? That has a very nice ring to it, if you ask me!

I took the above selfie last week, while I was sitting outside and enjoying the classic Portillo’s jazz music and waiting for friends to arrive. How appropriate that Toy Story’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” came on! It reminded me that I have such wonderful people around me. As trying as some moments have been this year, I still feel surrounded by love, light and happiness. No dark clouds (or haters…) can dim that light.

Thank you, friends, for being such a powerful force in my life!! I hope you know how much I appreciate your love and support. As I’ve said before, we make a pretty amazingly awesome team, don’t you think?!?!?

I’m taking my classic Birthday Break next week and I can’t wait to rendezvous back here on Monday, August 13th! Coming up that week: Birthday photos, a new guest post from Ms. Bear on what she learned this summer and…MY NEW DIGS!!!! Curious about that last one?? You’ll see!!! I’m always on Twitter and Facebook so come by and say hello!!! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a hearty dinner of my mom’s meatloaf and a delicious dessert of my sister’s delicious Rice Krispies treats calling my name!!! xoxo

So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...